Dual component packaging kit

ABSTRACT

A dual component packaging kit that includes at least a shape holding outer container having an internal volume and an external surface. Preferably, the shape holding outer container is configured to accommodate a pair of shape holding inner containers. Preferentially, each of the pair of shape holding inner containers contain a separate and distinct viscous material and the pair of shape holding inner containers remain detached from the shape holding outer containers at all times. With the pair of shape holding inner containers removed from the shape holding outer container, the separate and distinct viscous materials may be poured into the shape holding outer container and mixed together for use.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/792527 filed Mar. 11, 2013, entitled “Dual Component Packaging Kit.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The claimed invention relates to the field of product packaging schema, and more particularly to a packaging schema for dual component products that need to be isolated one from the other during shipping and handling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a dual component packaging kit that includes at least a shape holding outer container having an internal volume and an external surface. Preferably, the shape holding outer container is configured to accommodate a pair of shape holding inner containers. Preferentially, each of the pair of shape holding inner containers contain a separate and distinct viscous material and the pair of shape holding inner containers remain detached from the shape holding outer containers at all times. With the pair of shape holding inner containers removes from the shape holding outer container, the separate and distinct viscous materials may be poured into the shape holding outer container and mixed together for use.

In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the shape holding inner container includes at least a first interior volume formed by a first hermetically sealed bottom, and a first open top, the first interior volume containing a first viscous material, and a second interior volume attached to the first interior volume. Preferably, the second interior volume is formed by a second hermetically sealed bottom, and a second open top, the second interior volume containing a second viscous material, wherein the first and second viscous material are separate and distinct viscous materials. Additionally featured by the alternate exemplary embodiment is a separation wall disposed between and attached to the first and second interior volumes, the separation wall isolates the first viscous material from the second viscous material.

These and various other features and advantages that characterize the claimed invention will be apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon review of the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 displays a view in elevation of an exemplary embodiment of a shape holding outer container.

FIG. 2 provides a cross section view of the shape holding outer container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a view in elevation of a flat side of an exemplary embodiment of a shape holding inner container.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section view of the shape holding inner container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a top plan view of the shape holding inner container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 displays a top plan view of the shape holding inner container of FIG. 5, rotated one hundred and eighty degrees.

FIG. 7 shows a top plan view of the shape holding outer container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of a pair of shape holding inner containers of FIG. 3, nested in the shape holding outer container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 provides a view in elevation of a side of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a shape holding inner container, the alternate exemplary embodiment includes a pair of volumes sharing a common separation wall that isolates a first viscous material contained in a first of the pair of volumes from a second viscous material contained in the second of the pair of volumes.

FIG. 10 displays a top plan view of the alternate exemplary embodiment of the shape bolding inner container of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a top plan view of the exemplary embodiment of the shape holding outer container of FIG. 1, without the lid affixed thereon.

FIG. 12 illustrates the alternate exemplary embodiment of the shape holding inner container of FIG. 9, nested in the shape holding outer container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 provides a view in elevation of a side of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a shape holding inner container.

FIG. 14 displays a plan view in cross section of the alternative exemplary embodiment of a shape holding inner container of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows a top plan view of the alternative exemplary embodiment of the shape holding inner container of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross section view in elevation of the alternative exemplary embodiment of the shape holding inner container of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 provides a partial cut away, cross section view in elevation of a side of the alternative exemplary embodiment of the shape holding inner container of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 displays the alternative exemplary embodiment of the shape holding inner container of FIG. 13, nested in the shape holding outer container of FIG 1.

FIG. 19 shows a top plan view of the alternative exemplary embodiment of the shape holding inner container of FIG. 13, nested in the shape holding outer container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 illustrates a view in elevation of the shape holding outer container of FIG. 1, with a liner formed of a flexible polymer disposed therein.

FIG. 21 provides a view in elevation of a non-shape holding inner container, formed from a flexible polymer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more examples of various embodiments of the present invention depicted in the figures. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the various embodiments of the present invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a different embodiment. Other modifications and variations to the described embodiments are also contemplated within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 displays an exemplary shape holding outer container 100 which includes at least an internal volume 102 and an external surface 104, in which the internal volume 102 of the exemplary shape holding outer container 100 is not less than two liters. A volume of the shape holding outer container 100 of less than two liters leads to an imbalance in the manufacturing process and diminishes the commercial utility of the product. In a preferred embodiment, the shape holding outer container 100 includes a lid 106, a handle 108, and as shown by FIG. 2, a hermetically sealed bottom 110.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a shape holding inner container 112, while FIG. 9 shows an alternate exemplary embodiment of a shape holding inner container 114, and FIG. 13 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a shape holding inner container 116. Preferably, (with the exception of the alternate embodiment shape holding inner container 114, which includes a pair of substantially equal volumetric cavities (118, 120), that share a common separation wall 122, that isolates a first viscous material 124, from a second viscous material 126, as shown by FIG. 10) the shape holding inner containers are intended to be used in pairs, and preferably, the first viscous material 124 is contained by the first of the pair while the second viscous material 126 is contained by the second of the pair. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the first viscous material 124 and the second viscous material 126 are separate and distinct viscous materials.

Returning to FIG. 1, preferably an open top 103 of the shape holding inner container 100 has an area greater than the area of the hermetically sealed bottom 110. The difference in area between the open top and the sealed bottom of the shape holding outer container 100, promotes ease of entry of the shape holding inner container 112 into the shape holding outer container 100, while the area of the hermetically sealed bottom 110, of the shape holding outer container 100, interacts with the shape holding inner container 112, thereby securing the shape holding inner container 112, within the shape holding outer container 100 for stability of the shape holding inner container 112 during transport of the product.

FIG. 8 shows a pair of the exemplary embodiment of a shape holding inner container 112 nested within the shape holding outer container 100, while FIG. 18 shows a pair of the alternative exemplary embodiment of a shape holding inner container 116 nested within the shape holding outer container 100. In a preferred embodiment, whether a single inner container (114), or a pair of inner containers (112 or 116), the first and second viscous materials (124, 126) are dispensed into the internal volume 102 of the shape holding outer container 100, and mixed together for use. In a further preferred embodiment, a liner 128 (see FIG. 20), formed of a flexible polymer is disposed within the internal volume 102 of the shape holding outer container 100, prior to the mixing together of the first and second viscous materials (124, 126). The first and second viscous materials (124, 126) are then dispensed into the lined shape holding outer container 100 for mixing. In a use environment, such as setting utility poles, following the mixing of the first and second viscous materials (124, 126), the mixture is dispensed into the pole hole, the liner is removed from the shape holding outer container 100 and stuffed down the hole adjacent the pole, and the mixture undergoes a chemical reaction and expands to fill the pole hole while encapsulating the liner 128.

Returning to FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment shape holding inner container 112 includes a pressure equalization conduit 130, a spout portion 132, the spout portion 132 is sealed by a cap 134 to assure the viscous material 124, contained within the internal volume 136, of the shape holding inner container 112, remains intact until its appointed use. Preferably, the pressure equalization conduit 130 provides an air passageway into the internal volume 136, by way of a handhold 138. The pressure equalization conduit 130, promotes an even flow of the shape holding inner container 112 while the viscous material 124 is flowing out of the spout portion 132. Further, the shape holding inner container 112 also provides a second handhold 140 in an alternate embodiment. Preferably, the shape holding inner container is formed into the shape of a capital letter “D”, 142, as shown by FIG. 4.

In FIG. 5, the top plan view of the shape holding inner container 112 shows that the pressure equalization conduit 130 provides fluidic communication between the spout portion 132, and the handhold 138. FIG. 6 shows the shape holding inner container 112, of FIG. 5 rotated ninety degrees. The “D” shape of the shape holding inner container 112 promotes the ability of having a pair of shape holding inner containers 112, nested within the shape holding outer container 100 (of FIG. 7), as shown by FIG. 8.

Preferably, the alternative embodiment of the shape holding inner container 114, of FIG. 9, includes a pair of pressure equalization conduits 130, promoting fluidic communication between a pair of spouts 132, and a pair of handholds 138, as shown by FIG. 12. FIG. 11 shows a top plan view of the shape holding outer container 100, without the lid 106 of FIG. 1, is sized to accommodate the alternative embodiment of the shape holding inner container 114, of FIG. 10, nested within the confines of the shape holding outer container 100, as shown by FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the shape holding inner container 116, which is preferably configured to be stackable within the shape holding outer container 100, as shown by FIG. 18. In a preferred stackable configuration, the alternative embodiment of the shape holding inner container 116 provides a pressure equalization conduit channel 142, as shown by FIGS. 14 and 17. In the stackable configuration, the pressure equalization conduit 130 (FIG. 15) of a first shape holding inner container 116, nests within the pressure equalization conduit channel 142 of as second shape holding inner container 116, as shown by FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 21 shows another preferred embodiment of an inner container, which is preferably a non-shape holding inner container 144. In a preferred embodiment, the non-shape holding inner container 144 is configured to accommodate the nesting of a pair of non-shape holding inner containers 144 within the shape holding outer container 100. Preferably, the non-shape holding inner container 144 are aligned within the shape holding outer container 100 in a side by side configuration, but may be alternatively stacked one upon the other.

In a preferred embodiment, the non-shape holding inner container 144, includes at least a spout 146 with an integrated fill land 148. The fill land 148, serves to interface with a fill station fixture (not shown), to promote dispensing of the viscous material (selectively either 126 or 124), into the internal volume of the non-shape holding inner container 144. The non-shape holding inner container 144 further preferably includes an integrated handle 150, to facilitate placement in and removal of, the non-shape holding inner container 144 from the interior of the shape holding outer container 100.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present claimed invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. For example, the particular elements may vary depending on the particular application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present claimed invention.

It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaging kit comprising: a shape holding outer container having an internal volume and an external surface, wherein the internal volume is not less than two liters, in which the shape holding outer container includes a hermetically sealed bottom and an open top, the open top has an opening with an area greater than the area of the hermetically sealed bottom; and a shape holding inner container disposed within the outer container, wherein the shape holding inner container contains a viscous material, and in which the shape holding inner container remains detached from the outer container at all times, wherein the open top having an area greater than the area of the hermetically sealed bottom promotes ease of entry of the shape holding inner container into the shape holding outer container, while the area of the hermetically sealed bottom of the shape holding outer container interacts with the shape holding inner container thereby securing the shape holding inner container within the shape holding outer container.
 2. The kit of claim 1, in which the shape holding inner container is a first shape holding inner container, the viscous material is a first viscous material, and further comprising a second shape holding inner container, the second shape holding inner container contains a second viscous material, wherein the first and second viscous materials are separate and distinct viscous materials.
 3. The kit of claim 2, in which the shape holding outer container includes at hermetically sealed bottom and an open top, the open top has an opening with an area greater than the area of the hermetically sealed bottom.
 4. The kit of claim 2, in which the shape holding outer container provides a lip portion encircling the open top, and further comprises a lid interacting with the lip, the lid seals the internal volume, and the lid reseals the internal volume upon removal and reengagement of the lid with the lip.
 5. The kit of claim 4, which the shape holding outer container is an elongated cylinder having a circular cross section.
 6. The kit of claim 5, in which each the first and second shape holding inner containers are formed to present a common geometric form.
 7. The kit of claim 6, in which the first and second shape holding inner containers each includes a hermetically sealed bottom and an open top, the open tops have an opening with an area less than the area of the hermetically sealed bottom.
 8. The kit of claim 7, in which each shape holding inner container provides an interior volume and a spout portion encircling the open top, and further comprises a cap interacting with the spout portion, the cap seals the interior volume, and the cap reseals the internal volume upon removal and reengagement of the cap with the spout portion.
 9. The kit of claim 8, further comprising a liner in contact adjacency with an internal surface of the shape holding outer container and an external surface of each the first and second shape holding inner containers.
 10. The kit of claim 9, in which the liner is formed from a flexible polymer.
 11. The kit of claim 10, in which the shape holding outer container is formed from a material selected from a group consisting of (polymers, composites, and metallic), and in which each shape holding inner container is formed from a material selected from a group consisting of (polymers, composites, and metallic).
 12. The kit of claim 6, in which a cross section of the common geometric shape takes the form of a capital letter D.
 13. The kit of claim 6, in which a cross section of the common geometric shape takes the form of a circle.
 14. The kit of claim 1, in which the shape holding inner container comprising: a first interior volume formed by a first hermetically sealed bottom, and a first open top, the first interior volume containing a first viscous material; a second interior volume attached to the first interior volume, the second interior volume formed by a second hermetically sealed bottom, and a second open top, the second interior volume containing a second viscous material, wherein the first and second viscous materials are separate and distinct viscous materials; and a separation wall disposed between and attached to the first and second interior volumes, the separation will isolates the first viscous material from the second viscous material.
 15. The kit of claim 14, in which the shape holding inner container further comprising: a first spout portion encircling a first open top, the first open top distal from the first hermetically sealed bottom; a first cap interacting with the first spout portion, the first cap seals the interior volume, the first cap further reseals the first internal volume upon removal and reengagement of the first cap with the first spout portion; a second spout portion encircling a second open top, the second open top distal from the second hermetically sealed bottom, the second spout portion adjacent the first spout portion; and a second cap interacting with the second spout portion, the second cap seals the interior volume, the second cap further reseals the first internal volume upon removal and reengagement of the first cap with the first spout portion.
 16. The kit of claim 15, in which the shape holding inner container further comprising: a first handhold disposed between the first hermetically sealed bottom and a first top portion, the first top portion distal from the first hermetically scaled bottom, the first handhold distal from the first spout; and a second handhold disposed between the second hermetically sealed bottom and a second top portion, the second first handhold distal from the firm spout.
 17. The kit of claim 16, in which the shape holding inner container further comprising; first pressure equalization conduit disposed between and communicating with each the first spout and the first handhold; and a second pressure equalization conduit disposed between and communicating with each the second spout and the second handhold.
 18. The kit of claim 7, in which the shape holding inner container further comprising: a handhold disposed between the hermetically sealed bottom and a top portion, the top portion distal from the hermetically sealed bottom, the first handhold distal from the spout; and a pressure equalization conduit supported atop the top portion while being disposed between and communicating with each the spout and the handhold.
 19. The kit of claim of claim 18, in which the shape holding inner container further comprising, a pressure equalization conduit channel provided by an external surface of the hermetically sealed bottom, the pressure equalization conduit channel aligned with and substantially parallel to the pressure equalization conduit.
 20. The kit of claim 19, in which the handhold is a first handhold, the first. handhold providing access of a users hand from a first direction, and further comprising a second handhold in alignment with and distal from the first handhold, the second handhold providing access of a users hand from a second direction. 